Localization of P450 aromatase in sperm and estrogen receptors in the epididymal region of the rooster
Kwon, Seok
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/19964
Description
Title
Localization of P450 aromatase in sperm and estrogen receptors in the epididymal region of the rooster
Author(s)
Kwon, Seok
Issue Date
1996
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Bahr, Janice M.
Department of Study
Animal Sciences
Discipline
Animal Sciences
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biology, Cell
Biology, Animal Physiology
Language
eng
Abstract
The epididymal region of the rooster (rete testis, efferent ductules, and epididymal duct) has an important role in the production of fertile sperm by controlling the luminal microenvironment required for sperm maturation. Even though androgen is the major hormone involved in regulating functions of the epididymal region, there are many other regulatory molecules in testicular fluid that appear to play a role. The presence of estrogen receptors (ER) in the male reproductive tract suggests that estrogen may be important for epididymal functions. This investigation was undertaken to test the hypothesis that estrogen has a role in the regulation of the male reproductive system of the rooster. Specific objectives of my dissertation were: (1) to determine if germ cells and epididymal sperm are sources of estrogen; (2) to determine if the epididymal region of the rooster is a target for estrogen; and (3) to determine if testicular steroids regulate the expression of ER in the epididymal region of the rooster. The major findings were: (1) adult rooster testicular germ cells and epididymal sperm contain active P450 aromatase (P450arom) which converts androgens to estrogens; (2) ER and ER mRNA are present in the epididymal region of the rooster, which suggests that this region is a target for estrogen; and (3) steady state levels of ER mRNA in the epididymal region of roosters was suppressed in the presence of reduced serum concentrations of testosterone. These data clearly demonstrate that rooster germ cells and epididymal sperm are sites for the synthesis of estrogen and the epididymal region of the rooster is a target for estrogen. Preliminary studies suggest that testicular steroids may regulate the expression of ER in the epididymal region of the rooster. The presence of estrogen as well as ER in the epididymal region suggests that estrogen might be involved in the regulation of epididymal functions in the rooster.
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